Don't think its physical tiredness. These are pros, in top shape, sticking to diets etc etc.
We just don't look mentally at it and prepared for the fight coming into the season. Guys look a bit switched off, asleep at the wheel.
The way Jürgen plays, the pressing, the concentration, the tempo, its bloody hard to keep that up season after season.
That's why constant refresh is a good thing, new players come in and bring energy to the place, and to the style of play.
Against Utd was a worry, we were never really properly threatening, very toothless, players were getting at each other which we rarely see [have no prob with a bit of that, but we don't see it anywhere near like we saw last week], and Jürgen was very slow to make changes for some reason, even though it seemed pretty clear we were nowhere near the pace of the game.
If Utd had scored a couple of break away goals and we had them under pressure and were looking dangerous, OK. But it was the exact opposite, thought the 2-1 score really flattered us.
VVD and TAA need a serious rocket, Bob looked way off the pace, Hendo and Milner miles off, need a lot more from Mo etc etc
Our best midfield of Fab/Hendo/Thiago has/had a good mix of high energy/press, physicality, and some incisive passing, and all of those things have been missing at the start of the season.
We've had years now were we have been making signings, sure, we have signed guys, but we've always imho just not gone the extra mile, just that bit extra that would tip Jürgen and us over the line.
We have been so close on many occasions - last season was a MASSIVE effort from the lads - and it was absolutely GUTTING to miss out on the PL and CL both. Maybe there is also a hangover from that into this season.
This team has been very successful, it's be a brilliant few years with Jürgen, but when people look back will the team rank up there with some of the other teams and managers who have won many more league titles ?
Still believe in the lads, but if we don't make a signing or two before the end of the window, hard to see how we can challenge Citeh for a title this year.
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